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Tonga Cruising Conditions

General Conditions Remember, the seasons in Tonga are opposite from those in the Northern Hemisphere—when it’s winter in the north, its summer south of the equator. The best time to visit is during the driest season, April-November, when day temperatures are in the 70s-80s F/21-36 C and the nights are in the 60s F/16-21 C. December-March is the rainy season, but it usually isn’t so bad that it should deter a visit (it’s a few degrees warmer then). Trade winds blow year round: A light sweater may be needed for evenings. Tonga's climate is pleasant and slightly cooler than that of most tropical areas. Mean annual temperature in Nuku'alofa is 23.7° C, where a mean humidity is 76%, with water temperaturesfrom 23°C in winter to 30°C in the summer (73° F to 86° F)

Historical Weather (Averages by month):

Month

°F Max

°F Min

°C Max

°C Min

Ave Precip (in)

Ave Precip (mm)

Ave Water Temp (°F)

Ave Water Temp (°C)

Ave Wind Speed

January

84

75

29

24

5.0

127

81

27

SE/E 10-25 kts

February

84

75

29

24

8.0

203

81

27

SE/E 10-25 kts

March

84

75

29

24

9.0

229

81

27

SE/E 10-25 kts

April

82

73

28

23

5.0

127

81

27

SE/E 10-25 kts

May

79

70

26

21

6.0

152

79

26

SE/E 10-25 kts

June

79

70

26

21

4.5

114

77

25

SE/E 10-20 kts

July

77

68

25

20

4.0

102

75

24

SE/E 10-20 kts

August

77

68

25

20

5.0

127

73

23

SE/E 10-20 kts

September

77

68

25

20

4.0

102

73

23

SE/E 10-20 kts

October

79

70

26

21

3.8

97

75

24

SE/E 10-20 kts

November

81

72

27

22

4.0

102

77

25

SE/E 10-20 kts

December

82

73

28

23

5.0

127

79

26

SE/E 10-25 kts

Tides In Vava'u there are two high and low tides in a 24-hour period. The mean tide rise and is 3.3 feet. When going ashore, make sure the dinghy is well above the high water mark and use the dinghy anchor on the beach to prevent a rising tide from floating the dinghy off the beach. Tide tables are provided on each yacht. The tides sometimes cause strong currents in narrow passages, as in the entrance to Hunga (#13). Please take note of the advice given in the guide regarding such locations in the cruising area. Care and normal seamanship should be used in your assessment of situations. During periods of strong winds from a constant direction, surface currents will build up. An example of this would be during the southeast trades between April and December. These winds will build up a current across the southern part of the area from east to west. When steering a compass course, be aware these currents may set you off your intended course. Take a bearing with the hand-bearing compass to verify your position.